Gillian Lynn Ryan

Gillian Lynn Ryan is the Director of Undergraduate Affairs and an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University. She supports student development and success throughout the undergraduate physics program, providing individualized guidance and fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Ryan cultivates active learning and encourages students to reflect on their thinking and learning processes. Her work extends beyond the classroom through advising and extracurricular activities aimed at helping students achieve their full potential. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Dalhousie University (2010) and has contributed to research in areas such as cell motility and morphometric analysis.

Gillian L. Ryan is an Associate Teaching Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in biological physics. Her research focuses on the dynamics of cellular protrusion and retraction, particularly in lamellipodia, and the role of actin polymerization in these processes. She also investigates the biophysical mechanisms underlying cell motility, including the interaction between actin filaments and focal adhesions. Ryan's work extends to the development of image analysis tools for quantifying cell shape and protein dynamics. Additionally, she explores electrostatic interactions in soft systems and the properties of materials for energy applications.